HC Deb 20 February 1992 vol 204 cc253-4W
Mr. Gill

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the net cost per head of population of the United Kingdom's contribution to the EC in the current financial year; and what is the projected figure for 1992–93.

Mr. Maude

The Chancellor's departmental report, Cm.1918, gives an estimated outturn for 1991–92 and forecast for 1992–93 of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Community budget, taking account of public sector receipts, but not those to the private sector, mainly for research. On the basis of these estimates the net cost per head of population for 1991–92 is £21 and the projection for 1992–93 is £50. The figure for 1991–92 is unusually low owing to a refund of contributions paid in earlier years and a high level of abatement.

Mr. Gill

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the net cost per head of population of Germany's contribution to the EC in the current financial year; and what is the projected figure for 1992–93.

Mr. Maude

The European Commission does not publish information on member states' net balances in respect of the European Community budget. The latest information published in Germany's contributions and receipts is contained in the 1990 Court of Auditors' report. Information on 1991 will be given in the 1991 Court of Auditors' report, due to be published next December.